Whether you are traveling to Peru for business or pleasure, having internet access on your smartphone is almost a must these days. Choosing the right mobile operator can ensure you stay connected while avoiding bill shocks. With several carriers to pick from, it can get confusing deciding which SIM card to get. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the main options so you can find the best operator for your needs during your stay in Peru.
Table of Contents
I. List of Peru Mobile Operators
Peru has a mix of mobile operators that includes both major carriers as well as virtual operators. Here are the main players in the market currently:
1. Main Mobile Operators in Peru
| Company | Ownership | Year Established in Peru | Subscribers in Peru | Mobile Services |
| Movistar | Telefónica | 2005 | 28.5 million | 3G, 4G/LTE, 5G |
| Claro | América Móvil | 2003 | 25.2 million | 3G, 4G/LTE, 5G |
| Entel | Entel | 1998 | 12.4 million | 3G, 4G/LTE, 5G |
| Bitel | Viettel | 2014 | 8.9 million | 3G, 4G/LTE |
2. Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Peru
In addition to the main operators, there are also some Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Peru. These do not have their own network infrastructure and instead piggyback on the networks of the main providers. Some popular MVNOs include:
- Virgin Mobile – Uses Movistar’s network
- Tuenti – Also rides on Movistar’s infrastructure
- Cuy Móvil – Uses Claro’s network
II. How to Choose the Best Peru Mobile Operator
When looking for the best Peru mobile operator for your needs, here are some key factors to consider:
- Coverage – Verify which operator has the best coverage in the region(s) you plan to visit. Movistar generally has the widest reach.
- Data speeds – If fast data speeds are important, check which operator offers the fastest 4G in your area. Claro and Bitel often lead in speed tests.
- Pricing – Compare prepaid data packs across operators. Bitel tends to have very economical data rates.
- Network congestion – In crowded areas, some networks can get overloaded. Movistar suffers the most from congestion issues.
- Roaming – If you need international roaming, verify roaming rates and partnerships for each operator. Entel has roaming agreements with 130+ countries.
- Customer service – Quality and accessibility of customer support may be a deciding factor. Movistar and Claro get better reviews for service.
III. Best Peru Mobile Operators – Detailed Comparison
To give you a deeper look at the main options, here is an overview of the major Peru mobile operators in and their key strengths:
| Carrier | Advantages | Disadvantages | Best Plan (US$) |
| Movistar |
Broadest network coverage Highest 4G availability Excellent urban infrastructure Good roaming package Large retail presence |
Congested networks Below average rural coverage High data prices Mediocre customer service |
10 GB for 30 days for $4.25 |
| Claro |
Fast 4G speeds Good urban and rural infrastructure Low prepaid rates Reliable customer service Straightforward plans |
Smaller retail network Limited roaming destinations Lower population reach Congestion in cities |
40 GB for 30 days for $8.70 |
| Entel |
Global roaming Separate 4G network Strong customer service Value added services Unlimited plans |
Smaller network footprint Minimal rural presence Less retail availability Weak speeds in tests |
30 GB for 30 days for $2.13 |
| Bitel |
Low prepaid rates Value plans Streaming benefits Generous bonuses Easy online recharges |
Newer network Limited roaming Small retail presence Congested frequency bands |
30 GB for 30 days for $5.40 |
IV. Where to Buy SIM Card from Peru Mobile Operators?
Once you’ve picked an operator, you’ll need to buy their SIM card to activate service. Here are some tips on where to easily find SIMs from the major providers:
- Movistar – Available at branded stores in malls, Lima airport, bus terminals, and sales agents everywhere.
- Claro – Can be purchased at Claro shops, kiosks, supermarkets like Plaza Vea, and many convenience stores.
- Entel – Sold primarily at Entel stores in malls and urban centers, less widespread retail presence.
- Bitel – Mainly found at authorized dealers denoted by Bitel signage; very few official stores.
When you purchase your SIM, remember to carry your passport for identification and activation. Many salespoints can set up the SIM for you and get it working immediately.
For convenience, SIMs can also be ordered online and delivered to your hotel in some main tourist areas like Lima city. Global SIM card companies also offer Peru operator SIMs for delivery worldwide.
V. Do Mobile Operators in Peru Offer eSIM?
In addition to physical SIM cards, some operators provide eSIM (embedded SIM) options as well. eSIMs allow you to activate mobile service through a digital profile instead of inserting a card.
Here is the availability of eSIM across major operators in Peru:
- Movistar – Offers Movistar eSIM on latest iPhones and other select devices. Plans must be postpaid.
- Claro – Has eSIM support on iPhone for postpaid customers. Most Androids not supported yet.
- Entel – Currently no eSIMs offerings from Entel for iPhone or Android smartphones.
- Bitel** – No eSIM facility for any devices on Bitel network as of now.
So eSIM availability in Peru is still quite limited. Movistar provides the widest compatibility for eSIM currently but only on postpaid accounts. Tourists may find it harder to procure eSIM profiles from Peruvian operators. Using global eSIM providers like peruesim.com while travelling is an alternate option.
Our prepaid Peru eSIM plans start from as low as $18.90 for 1GB of high-speed data, lasting 3 days. We also offer plans with larger data allowances of 3GB and 5GB, both with flexible validity periods of up to 30 days.
Travel and Stay Online with Our Plans
With 24/7 live chat support, you’ll have peace of mind while exploring Peru’s diverse landscape from the Andes to the Amazon. Don’t delay – buy your Peru eSIM now and start your Peru trip without worrying about connectivity or costly roaming fees!
VI. FAQs about Peru Mobile Operators
Which Peru mobile operator has the best coverage?
Movistar has the widest overall network reach in Peru covering all 25 regions. Claro and Entel also offer fairly extensive coverage.
Which operator has the fastest data speeds in Peru?
Claro tends to deliver the fastest 4G speeds across Peru in independent speed tests. Bitel also scores very well in some cities.
Which is the cheapest mobile operator in Peru?
Bitel has the most affordable prepaid data rates starting as low as PEN 5 per day. It offers the best value on domestic calls as well.
Which operator has the lowest roaming rates?
Entel provides competitive roaming rates to 130+ countries across the world. Movistar also offers decent roaming pricing for Latin America and Europe.
Does Peru offer eSIM for tourists?
eSIM availability is currently very limited in Peru. Movistar provides some support for iPhone users but getting eSIM as a tourist is difficult. Using global eSIMs may be easier.
VII. Final Words
Choosing the right Peru SIM card for your travel needs requires weighing factors like coverage, speeds, pricing, roaming, and more. Movistar, Claro and Bitel are top picks for different user priorities. Entel also appeals for global roamers. Review your specific requirements and compare operators thoroughly to find your ideal mobile data partner for an amazing trip across Peru!
